MSP URGES EXPECTANT MOTHERS IN ANGUS SOUTH TO SIGN UP FOR BABY BOX

Angus South MSP Graeme Dey is encouraging all expectant mothers in his constituency, whose babies are due on or after 15 August 2017, to register for a baby box at their next midwife appointment.

These boxes, containing various essential items for a child’s first weeks and months, signal the SNP Government’s commitment to ensuring that every child in Scotland, regardless of their circumstances, should get the best start in life.

Furthermore, the SNP is using new powers to create new Maternity and Early Years’ Allowances, the Best Start Grant, providing expectant mothers on low incomes with £600 for their first child, £300 for second and subsequent children, with low-income families receiving a further £250 grant when their child starts nursery, and again when they start school.

Graeme said:

“The Scottish Government is, in keeping with its determination to ensure every child has an equal start in life, providing a Baby Box to help tackle deprivation, improve health and support parents.

“And with the new powers coming to Scotland, the SNP Government will also provide targeted support to help low income families via our Maternity and Early Years’ Allowances-replacing the UK Sure Start grant with our Best Start Grant.

“The new grant will be introduced in 2019.

“For mums looking forward to welcoming a new born into the world on or after 15th August this summer, all they need to do to be gifted a Baby Box is apply through their midwife in advance, supplying their preferred delivery address.

“The Baby Boxes are full of useful items such as books, clothes, blankets, a bath towel, a changing mat, a bib and a thermometer, while also providing a safe space for babies to sleep near their parents, to promote bonding and early attachment, and send a signal that every child, regardless their background, matters.”